Using your Log Splitter Safely

As more and more people are splitting their own wood to heat their homes with fireplaces and wood stoves, safety has become a larger concern. Follow these general guidelines for each type of log splitting method to safely work through your wood pile.

Splitting Wood Manually by Axe or Maul

Safety gear is essential. Protective goggles and gloves should always be worn

Steel-toed boots are also a good idea. Never wear open toed shoes or sandals

Be sure to start with your log on a level, sturdy base

Larger logs should be split between the center and outer edge

Cut logs into quarters or eighths. Smaller sections become unstable and harder to hit

Dry wood is much easier to split

Inspect wood for nails, knots or anything else that could affect the path of the maul through the wood

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart

Hold the maul in front of you to gauge distance

Allow gravity to assist as you swing the maul down

Be sure that the maul hits squarely as to not deflect to either side

If the log needs to be split again, clear the pieces and reposition the log securely on the base

Clean your tool after every use. This cuts down on corrosion and keeps edges sharp